'argentate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'argentum' meaning 'silver', combined with the suffix '-ate' (used to form verbs/adjectives meaning 'to make or treat with').

'argentate' developed via Medieval/Neo-Latin and Old French forms: Latin 'argentum' > Medieval Latin/Latin participial/adjectival forms such as 'argentatus' and Old French 'argenté' ('silvered'), and was adopted into English as 'argentate' by formation with the suffix '-ate'.

Initially connected directly to 'silver' (the metal), it came to be used for the action or result of making something silver or silver-like (i.e., 'to silver' or 'silvered'), and in technical contexts to denote silver-containing species.